Trump to Headline “Great American State Fair” After Artists Withdraw Over Political Concerns

WASHINGTON: Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to headline an upcoming celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary after several musical performers withdrew from the event, citing concerns over its political associations.

The festivities, branded as “The Great American State Fair,” are scheduled to take place on Washington’s National Mall as part of a broader multi-week celebration organized by Freedom 250. The group confirmed on Saturday that Trump will “personally kick off this historic celebration” on June 24.

The announcement follows a wave of withdrawals by artists, including Bret Michaels, the Commodores, and Martina McBride, who stepped back from the event in recent days. Some performers said they were either misled about the event’s nonpartisan nature or were uncomfortable with its growing political profile.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump mocked the departures and suggested he might replace the performers himself. “I understand Artists are getting ‘the yips’ having to do with their performance,” he wrote, later proposing a “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN RALLY” instead of a traditional concert-style celebration.

Trump also criticized the departing artists, describing them as “highly paid” and “third rate,” while arguing that the event should focus on a large political rally format.

Freedom 250, which describes itself as nonpartisan, said the broader program running from June 25 to July 10 will still feature exhibits, family-friendly attractions, musical performances, flyovers, and other events celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The organization was launched last year with involvement from figures associated with Trump’s political circle.

Despite the controversy, several performers remain on the lineup, including Flo Rida, Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, and Vanilla Ice, whose representatives have said he is “proud to help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary.”

The White House has not clarified discrepancies regarding the exact timing of Trump’s planned appearance, which he referenced in multiple posts without confirming a specific date.